Soum Bill's mother and father are from two separate ethnic groups, which helped shape his views on respect and tolerance. He grew up in the working-class districts of Abidjan and Treichville, where his interest in music developed partly shaped by his grandmother, who was a musician. He started as a percussionist in several groups of the "easy ambience" style, a music animation performed by young Ivoireans featuring tam-tam and bells for occasions such as funerals, group journeys and football/soccer games.

Soumahoro Ben Mamadou changed his name to Soum Bill when he joined the group Mini Choc in 1989. Soon he became part of the Zouglou movement, named after a type of music based on the traditional rhythm and dance of Youfaseur. After leaving Mini Choc, Soum Bill created the band Les Garagistes, singing lead vocals. His latest group are Les Salopards.